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CALABASH ACADEMY
​Note: The Calabash Academy Pilot Program took place from Fall 2025 to Spring 2025, with many of our trainees now serving as consultants for the Calabash Network, or are working on their own farm projects with the support of the network. We are hoping to have the capacity to re-open the Calabash Academy in Fall 2026. Information about the 2024 Program can be found at the bottom of this page. 
Check out our learning platform with several hours of recorded lesson content on navigating the USDA and other grant programs, Food Sovereignty, and more!

Why the Academy Matters


The barriers of institutionalized racism and discriminatory policies are especially ingrained into the policies of the United State Department of Agriculture (USDA). These policies have limited access to federal and non-federal resources and funding for Black, Brown, and Indigenous growers, affecting our collective capacity to cultivate thriving local food systems and food sovereignty. To break down these barriers, more culturally competent TA providers are needed to support Black farmers & food producers. 

What is The Calabash Academy?


The Calabash Academy provides training for individuals looking to support the growth of Black and Brown farmers and growers around the world. Through the academy's training programs and webinars, we are building a network of technical assistance (TA) consultants that can help Black and Brown growers seek fiscal sponsorship, new markets, achieve financial sustainability, break down the  bureaucratic barriers of institutionalized racism, and ultimately feed their communities.

Calabash TA Academy Pilot  ​
About the pilot
The Calabash TA Academy Pilot is a 12-week accelerated training program cohort designed to orient & prepare a network of skilled technical assistance (TA) consultants to support the food/land sovereignty efforts of Black and Brown farmers + food folks.  

Note: Calabash 101 completion is a program pre-requisite 
​
 What you'll do 
We will be using a hybrid model learning experience with recorded lessons, office hours, live instruction, independent and collaborative assignments, discussion boards, an in-person convening, and transferable knowledge and skills.

TA trainees will learn to provide administrative support in navigating client consultation, grant searching and scanning, and completing farmer registration for farmers, while also engaging in a collaborative and flexible environment to engage and learn with fellow cohort members.
This program is absolutely for you if:
  • You have lived experience belonging to the Black Diaspora, have strong ties to the Black Diaspora, or identify as indigenous or as a person of color
  • You are dedicated to supporting Black and Brown farmers and sustaining holistic local food systems and pathways to food and land sovereignty 
  • You have an interest in gaining technical assistance skills ranging from farm government registration, grant matching, and storytelling
  • You have an interest in developing relationships with cooperative farmers 
  • You are familiar with or willing to learn about USDA policies, programs and services 
  • You want to be a part of a growing Black-led agricultural community to share resources and skills 
  • You are an aspiring TA consultant (not required) 
To be considered for the program pilot you must:
  • Attend Calabash 101 as a prerequisite* (recorded sessions will be provided)
  • Be able to attend at least 7 out of 9 active training sessions within the program (this is to ensure cohesiveness amongst the program and a shared learning environment) 
  • Dedicate a maximum of 6 hours a week (this includes instructional and practical learning and any additional office hours needed)  
  • Be willing to work and learn with others in a co-collaborative space

​Information about our 2024 Pilot Calabash Academy can be found here. We hope to offer the program again in Fall 2026! 

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